Local entertainers to perform at Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI�

Several local musical acts will take the stage during Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI to provide entertainment to thousands of bicyclists and area residents. From rock to folk music and funk to blues, the artists will present unique shows that are sure to please. Performances will take place in downtown Cedar Rapids, at the Orange Tribe Campground in Ellis Park, and in Czech Village/New Bohemia.

The Party on the Island in downtown Cedar Rapids will kick off with local performers Adobanga, Chad Elliott and Bonita Crowe at 4:30 p.m. on the Tiki Torch Stage, followed by national acts including Counting Crows on the Island Stage at 6:30 p.m.

Adobanga is a Cedar Rapids based alternative rock band that infuses different sounds of rock, jazz, blues, polka, heavy metal, reggae and more to create their own unique sound. They are primarily piano-driven and focus on blues and jazz. The band is made up of six men and two women and features a mix of its own original music along with covers of various bands such as The Beatles, The Doors, and more.

Chad Elliott, originally from the Des Moines area, is an experienced performer who has traveled all over the United States playing his original music. With a roots, blues and folk music style, Elliott's songs focus on his life experiences whether it's love, trying times, or finding inspiration. Elliott often performs with Des Moines vocalist, Bonita Crowe.

Tickets to the Party on the Island are $25 in advance or $35 day of the show at http://www.theatrecr.org/ragbrai or at the Theatre Cedar Rapids box office.

Other performers will share their talents at the Orange Tribe Campsite in Ellis Park on Thursday starting at 2 p.m. The afternoon will begin with DJ Jam Time, a local DJ, and continue with Memphis area native Jeffrey Capps, then conclude with Funk Stop.

Funk Stop is a group of Cedar Rapids area music educators and professionals that features an exciting show filled with soulful lyrics and an impressive horn and rhythm section. The group consists of 11 members and performs funk, soul and R&B styles with influences from Kool and the Gang; Earth, Wind and Fire; and Tower of Power. The music is meant to get people up and dancing and enjoying the funk.

Local entertainers will also be highlighted at Breakfast on the Bridge in Czech Village and New Bohemia on Friday, July 27. The Iowa Accordion Club followed by Craig Erickson and Natalie Brown will perform at the Kosek bandstand and Roving Accordionist Ron Johnson will bring entertainment to the Bridge of Lions. The African American Museum of Iowa will also provide entertainment with live jazz throughout the morning. Local artist Drew Hurn will also perform on 3rd Street, near CSPS.

Show your support for Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI and local musicians by attending the various entertainment opportunities July 26-27. For a full Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI entertainment schedule visit www.CedarRapidsRAGBRAI.com/activities.

Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI® Mission Statement

The Cedar Rapids community will work together to provide an exceptional overnight stay for 2012 RAGBRAI® participants and friends. We will provide a safe, welcoming, and fun environment promoting local businesses and highlighting community assets. The Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI® event will be financially self-sustaining. Learn more at http://www.CedarRapidsRAGBRAI.com.

RAGBRAI®

Des Moines Register Media owns and produces RAGBRAI®, a trek across Iowa that's the world's oldest, largest and longest annual bicycle ride. RAGBRAI® riders will overnight in Sioux Center, Cherokee, Lake View, Webster City, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Anamosa and Clinton this year.

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